Who would have guessed how sad it is to leave the family home? Sadder then a beloved dog dying - not quite as sad as a miscarriage but in the same league - it's a terrible loss.
What keeps you warm in the Chicago winters for thirty-four years? Overhears the family fights? Watches your children grow up? Is there to welcome them home and see them fly out the door when their wings are ready? Cheer as an ex-husband marches out the door for the last time? This home has seen it all.
The kitchen that started out with avocado colored appliances now has delft tiles on the fireplace that I had installed. The family home not only holds you in its outstretched arms, it's a work of art that morphs over time. I Imagine there is only one family home. This one was it for me.
Do you see the picture on the top of the page. That's me on the back deck hosting a dinner with my Friendly Village plates. See the heart?
Judith Viorst has a classic book called Necessary Losses. I've been quoting from it for a few decades. The drift of the book could be summed up in this cute song from Frozen called Let It Go. Judith Vorst's premise - simply put - is you gotta let go of one stage of life to move on to the next. I rely on the wisdom from good books like a monk relies on holy scripture. Don't get my wrong, I rely on holy scripture as well but sometimes G-d uses Judith Viorst to bonk you on the head when you need it.
The family home is our rickety little nest where we live our lives. It's our launching pad for whatever is next.
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